This is a very basic frosting. You can spread it over muffins or a simple cake to make them a little bit special. Never underestimate the power of frosting to take something ordinary and level it up to top ranking numminess.

Basic Vanilla Frosting

3 tablespoons margarine, melted or very soft

2 tablespoons milk or evaporated milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Dash salt

1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour it into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add the milk, vanilla and salt. Mix briefly. Add the powdered sugar. Use a fork or whisk to beat the frosting smooth. On rainy days you may need to add an extra tablespoon or two of powdered sugar to get the right spreading consistency. Makes enough to frost an 8 or 9-inch cake. If you need to frost a larger cake, double the recipe.